Cam Skattebo says he will keep playing hard after NFL flag in Giants win
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo criticized the NFL after being flagged for unnecessary roughness in a Week 7 overtime win over the Houston Texans, saying he would keep playing the same way even if fined.
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo took a shot at the NFL after being flagged for unnecessary roughness in Sunday's overtime win over the Houston Texans, saying that if the league keeps penalizing his physical style, "I guess I'm going to play for free."
The penalty came on a big gain on the ground. Skattebo laid a hit on safety M.J. Stewart that sent Stewart to the turf, and officials ruled that Skattebo had crossed a line. Skattebo was visibly upset with the call, and head coach John Harbaugh had to hold his running back back on the sideline before voicing his own displeasure at the flag.
After the game, Skattebo declined to share what he said to the official, but he was direct about the league. "I will say, man, the NFL loves to post me when I do stuff like that, but then also wants to take stuff from me," he said. "So, I mean, I'm going to run the ball like I want to run the ball, and if I'm going to continue to get flagged or fined for it, man, I guess I'm going to play for free." He added that he planned to keep "playing hard" regardless of punishment.
The flag was a point of contention because Skattebo's running style has been a big part of the Giants' offense this season. His bulldozing approach, which runs through contact, has drawn attention for recalling an older style of football. At the same time, the NFL has spent years trying to reduce helmet-to-helmet contact, and officials believed Skattebo led with the crown of his helmet on this play. Video replays, however, showed a run that looked similar to others he has made, and many fans on social media called the call soft and bizarre. Skattebo noted that a fine could still follow from the league.
The penalty overshadowed a strong performance. Skattebo finished with 124 rushing yards on 17 carries and scored a touchdown in the second half, following a 42-yard overtime run that set up Devin Singletary's 30-yard touchdown to seal the victory. The Giants also recorded four rushing scores in the game.
The performance also came after a difficult stretch. Skattebo received no carries in the previous game, a tie with the Washington Commanders, after a costly overtime fumble. Fans had suggested Harbaugh had him in the doghouse. Harbaugh said after that game that the decision was not by design. "It wasn't by design for him not to carry the ball," Harbaugh said. "Just when he was in there, we didn't call any runs."
The Giants now have a bye week before traveling to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Skattebo indicated he does not plan to change his style of play.
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